Hippopotamus Obaysch arrives at London Zoo

Background. London Zoo, opened in 1828 as the world's oldest scientific zoo, received Obaysch in May 1850. The animal was the first hippopotamus seen in Europe since the Roman Empire and in England since prehistoric times. His arrival was facilitated by an exchange agreement involving the Ottoman Viceroy of Egypt. In the same year, the number of visitors to the zoo was double that of the previous year.

Acquisition. The Ottoman Viceroy of Egypt, Abbas Pasha, agreed with the British consul general, Sir Charles Murray, to swap Obaysch and other exotic animals for greyhounds and deerhounds. Obaysch was transported by P&O steamer to Southampton before arriving at London Zoo on 25 May 1850. This acquisition marked the first time a hippopotamus had been seen in Great Britain since prehistoric times.

Impact. The number of visitors to London Zoo in 1850 was double the previous year. Obaysch was the first hippopotamus seen in Europe since Ancient Rome, making his presence a notable event for the scientific collection and the public.